My name is Pranava Shah, a first generation Indian, born here in the states who loves to learn and share some perspectives of my past and how it’s made me the person I am today. This isn’t going to be my life story, but my special moments that have gotten me to the point where I am today - Founder of Journey Chai.

I’ve visited India a few times throughout my life. Each time brought a whole new meaning and perspective on all sorts of things - but there was a constant intrigue in all those visits to India - chai. When I first went (that I can remember) it was for my uncles wedding and everything I did on this trip was an adventure! Spending time with my extended family, being exposed to such a beautiful and elaborate wedding process - it was like I was seeing and feeling my culture for the first time. I reflect back on this day, because all the trips I’ve taken after that have taught me a bit about appreciation, humility, and society - all the real ingredients for making a perfect cup of chai. It was a simple, beautiful process, using fresh ingredients, pots and pans that you can see has some rich history behind it, and a group of people that would share thoughts, stories, debates - it was pure.

As time went on, I saw more and more “Chai Teas” - Chai tea lattes, Chai concentrates, Chai instant powders, everything that was the opposite of what I thought the purpose of chai really was. The more I tasted, the more distant it was from what true traditional chai was supposed to be. It was as if you can taste the short-cut through the imbalance of flavors - too sweet, too gingery, too something - nothing at these events really did chai justice. I’m not saying everyone should convert over to traditional Indian chai, but at least share with those that haven’t had that rich experience of what chai really means to me. Then it hit me, how can I recreate and share my memories as a child in India watching everyone enjoying a cup of chai? Introducing Journey Chai! A company focused on embracing the process and bringing the flavors of India to the states using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here we are!